Equity not ego brought Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to power.A man of disarming directness, his simple airs lifted him to the top.
Grace rested abundantly upon his shoulders,becoming the ultimate decider in his political journey. And the fifth civilian Governor of Delta State has remained deeply conscious of the burden and privilege of that calling.
Today Sheriff as he is fondly called governs one of Nigeria’s most strategically important states with measured steps – steady and swift , yet scrupulous and attentive.
This leadership strength dismantles the deeply flawed commentary by one Swill Mavua, who ventured into the subject of Governor Oborevwori’s place within Delta’s cherished rotational power arrangement.
The title immediately betrays its bias and banal assumptions:
“Omo-Agege Vs Dafinone — Oborevwori, Rotation, And The “Nepotism” Charge In Delta : How APC Primaries, Okpe Dominance, and Family Tickets Are Reshaping Delta’s 27-Year Rotation Pact”
Reading through the entire piece published in both mainstream and social media , further reveals a misleading picture of misinformation laced with mischief. Whether innately intentional or externally induced, the propaganda is what it is- dubious hogwash.
For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Oborevwori prides himself not merely as a beneficiary of Delta power rotation but one of its strongest proponents and most visible custodians.
Chief James Ibori from Delta Central Senatorial District was elected governor in 1999. After eight years, he handed over to Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan from Delta South, who governed from 2007 to 2015. Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta North, completed the circle of power rotation among the three Senatorial in 2023.
Oborevwori,now with the gubernatorial baton once again, from Delta Central, clearly appreciates both the history and the responsibility of that noble tradition. He understands that power, in Delta, is strengthened not by domination but inclusion.
He is widely acknowledged in words and deeds as the “ Governor of all Deltans” . This is not symbolic rhetoric. It is a living reality.
It therefore becomes inconceivably hollow when Mavua misfired :
“When APC primaries came, Oborevwori bared his fang.. He ensured the children of the three former governors got nominated. Not done, he gave federal tickets to his kinsmen — Okpe dialect of Urhobo”
These are fantasy brickbats.
Party tickets are not souvenirs. Legislative primaries are not festive gifts distributed at the pleasure of one individual. Elections are competitive democratic exercises, not Christmas hampers. Governor Oborevwori is not INEC or APC . He is neither an institutional arbiter nor umpire. He is a democrat and populist. A firm follower of democratic dictates who believes in the will of party members.
Yet ,one of the defining virtues of Governor Oborevwori is that he has sustained cordial relationships with all his predecessors – Ibori, Uduaghan and Okowa. This is noteworthy, especially in the Nigerian political environment where governors often descend into bitter supremacy battles with former power holders.
The writer also rambled in his compilation of absurdist claims that
“Oborevwori’s first son, Orohwedor, runs 40% of the state’s governance” and concluded that he “enjoys major road and flyover construction contracts.”
Public records are clear. Even casual observers know that major road infrastructure and bridge projects under the Oborevwori administration are being executed by Julius Berger and other reputable construction firms.
Yes,Oborevwori Jr. is the governor’s son. Undeniable. Sweet luck. Divine loop. Two good heads. Legendary Wole Soyinka would have termed it Serendipity!
Especially for a thriving young man known to have been resiliently hard working and forward looking,long before his father became governor. A blooming entrepreneur with a passion for empowering his fellow youths.
Must he now suspend enterprise because of his surname? Should he abandon dreams, suppress talent and apologise for his parentage? Must he cease pursuing purpose simply because destiny placed him in the governor’s household?
Or he must jettison his search for self discovery and existential relevance, then fold his hands and start counting the stars. What a prejudice masquerading as public morality.
Again, to label his family circumstances “hegemony” is neither didactic nor conscientious. It is nothing short of emotional blackmail cum manipulation. Renowned Psychologist, Susan Forward cautions that it is immoral to force “fear , obligation and guilt” through coercion. That is sentimental intimidation.
Here is the most glaring weakness of the tacky tale. All “sources” quoted in the narrative by Mufua were anonymous! This is professionally dingy ,alarmist and suspect for a media practitioner, who ought to know better. Investigative Journalism report even in its basest mode, becomes ethically worthless when it struggles with simple facts. Concrete evidence is the cannon of investigative press. Where serious allegations concern a sitting governor and the governance of an entire state, ethical journalism demands painstaking verification and objective attribution , not speculative sensationalism built upon invisible witnesses.
The speculative writer ended by pontificating about 2027. Governor Oborevwori, however, is occupied by a different assignment. He is working. He is walking ahead. Supported by Deltans. Strengthened by divine power. Hopefully facing the future with blessed assurance.
And his leadership agenda would continue to unify Delta and dignify our collective destiny.
Dr. Chiazor is a former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council and now Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media.
